David Klein Getty Images

If you lived through the ’90s as a sentient teenager, fewer things were more exciting than the approach of Y2K: the colloquial name for the impending computer glitch that would halt the world as we knew it right at the turn of the century. These days the expression is less about data entry errors and more about fashion: It’s synonymous with butterfly clips, Bratz dolls, and everything Britney. But how exactly do you dress Y2K in 2022?

The early-aughts style revival is alive and well at brands like Maisie Wilen, AREA, Miaou, Mirror Palais, and Simon Miller in the form of baby tees, pleated miniskirts, bandage dresses, and flares with '00s-inspired details like lettuce-hem trim. (A choker, blue eye shadow, and shiny brown lip gloss can complete the look.)

What Is the Y2K Aesthetic?

If there’s any single word that sums up the Y2K aesthetic, it’s playful. Think of Britney’s ...Baby One More Time album cover or any Delia’s catalog you may have feverishly flipped through in 2001. At the heart of the Y2K fashion revival is the lightheartedness of a more innocent time—and probably also Euphoria’s reign. That means short minidresses sometimes paired with chunky boots and crystal-embellished everything. Other interpretations include Tom Ford’s era-defining designs toward the end of his reign at Gucci, which means satin dresses cut on the bias, low-slung trousers, and even sexy, gem-encrusted black leather slingbacks—a look that started in the ’90s and was reinvigorated with a little more personality in the early aughts.

Y2K Outfit Inspiration

Trying to glean some Y2K outfit inspiration? Here are a few interpretations of the look that became synonymous with the early aughts, plus the best pieces to shop to get the Y2K fashion look.

1

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Bustier Tops

A bustier worn open at the midriff is the ultimate '00s staple.

2

With Jéan

Adeline Top

Courtesy

$159 AT WITHJEAN.COM

3

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Matching Minis

Opt for a matching set with a mini-mini.

4

Miaou

Elektra Skirt

Courtesy

$98 AT MIAOU.COM

5

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Chokers

Whether you opt for a slim silk scarf or an actual choker, this is the early-aughts iteration of the trend.

6

Saint Laurent Skinny Buckled Choker

$395 AT FARFETCH

7

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Low-Slung Belts

A low-slung belt—especially when paired with a tube top—is major aughts vibes.

8

Diesel

B-Dechain

Courtesy

$295 AT DIESEL.COM

9

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Pleated Miniskirts

A pleated miniskirt feels particularly nostalgic, especially when paired with knee-high boots.

10

Los Angeles Apparel

Tennis Skirt (Classic Colors)

Courtesy

$56 AT LOSANGELESAPPAREL.NET

11

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Baby Tees

A baby tee is inherently early aughts, but double down with accessories for a complete straight-from-2002 look.

12

Fiorucci

Lips Baby Tee

Courtesy

$120 AT FIORUCCI.COM

13

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Baguette Bags

Is there anything more synonymous with the early aughts than a baguette bag?

14

Les Petits Joueurs

Cindy Baguette Bag

Courtesy

$613 AT REVOLVE

15

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Mini Florals

Sure, florals aren't really grounded in any single decade, but if the '90s saw large-format, inky styles, the '00s iteration is a tinge brighter.

16

Puppets and Puppets

Tulip Burnout Halter Midi Slip Dress

Courtesy

$920 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

17

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Tube Tops

Who says a tube top has to mean baring it all? Get in on the trend by layering too.

18

Tibi

Cashmere Tube Top

Courtesy

$180 AT SHOPBOP

19

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Hardware Everywhere

Hardware like safety pins and embellished clips were everywhere in the early aughts.

20

Sami Miro Vintage

Victorian Safety Pin Cardigan

Courtesy

$285 AT SAMIMIROVINTAGE.COM

21

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Sport Sunglasses

Yep—these futuristic, sports-inspired sunglasses are back, and there's nothing you can do about it. (We recommend embracing the trend.)

22

Akila

New Wave

Courtesy

$80 AT AKILA.LA

23

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Keyhole Silhouettes

The keyhole was more than a trend in the early aughts: It was a movement.

24

Buci

Flower Dress Plunge + Recycled

Courtesy

$229 AT BUCIBUCIBUCI.COM

25

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Skirts with Boots

The miniskirt-knee-high-boot combo feels nostalgic in the best way.

26

Dear Frances

Elle Knee Boot

Courtesy

$850 AT DEARFRANCES.COM

27

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Chunky Shoes

Chunky shoes of all kinds—but especially clogs—make any low-slung miniskirt feel way more 2001.

28

Marge Sherwood

Brown 70's Clogs

Courtesy

$430 AT SSENSE

29

Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Body-Hugging Dresses

A skintight dress in a fun pattern is truly early aughts.

30

Maisie Wilen

Orbit City Dress

Courtesy

$550 AT MAISIEWILEN.COM

Lauren Caruso Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, consultant, and digital media strategist that splits her time between NYC and Los Angeles.